Producers now have access to FSA information while on-the-go. The agency released a package of technology enhancements that include Web access for handheld and smartphone users along with a more efficient and timely option for receiving news and critical program information. Users will have access to key features such as loan deficiency payment rates, posted county prices, FSA news releases and AskFSA, the agency’s online self-help knowledge base. Go to the mobile site.

Staff at the Grady County FSA Office provide service to more than 900 producers in the county. Pictured (l to r): Dennis Barrett, program technician; Sharon Greene; program technician; Elaine Sherrod, county executive director; Lanay Dixon, program technician; Lisa White, program technician.

Grady County was established Jan. 1, 1906 and is situated in the lower coastal plain in southwest Georgia. The rolling terrain is highlighted by numerous small streams and rich soil. The favorable climate affords natural resources for one of the richest farming areas in the nation.

The Grady County FSA Office is located in. Cairo, Ga., and services nearly 1,600 farms and 900 producers. The office administers a variety of programs, such as the Direct and Counter Cyclical Program, Conservation Reserve Program, Price Support Program, Farm Loan Programs, Disaster Program, and Dairy Program. Planted acres for the major crops grown in the county were cotton (22,497 acres), corn (7467 acres) and peanuts (8563 acres). Based on data for crop year 2011, the office issued $4,619,372 in program payments to participants.

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Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan addresses attendees during the NWIAA Symposium.

by Vickie Lane, public relations/outreach specialist, Alabama Farm Service Agency

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan applauded several hundred Alabama women for their efforts in advancing the field of agriculture during the 2nd Annual New Generation Symposium of the National Women in Ag Association (NWIAA).

During her keynote address at the Kellogg Conference Center at Tuskegee University, Merrigan acknowledged NWIAA for its collaboration and networking through partnerships and other community based organizations, which has increased membership to 600 in two years. 

“In order to continue to do what you do, you need to tap into USDA resources,” said Merrigan, who added that women in Alabama have made great strides in agriculture within the last few years. According to the 2007 Agriculture Census, there are 2,444 women operators in Alabama, a 19 percent increase over the numbers reported in the 2002 census report.

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Farmers are going high-tech in an effort to use less fertilizer, save money and help protect the environment.

Dorothy Cannon (left) was presented the Arkansas Woman of the Year Award by Barbara Pettigrew, acting county executive director. 

by Latawnya Dia, FSA public affairs specialist

Congratulations to Dorothy Cannon for winning the Arkansas FSA Woman of the Year Award.

The Woman of the Year Award program was developed in Arkansas in 1990 by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development to recognize the accomplishments of USDA female employees during Women’s History Month.

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